MANILA(PNA) - Once upon a time Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was the most sought after fighter in his division. After suffering a devastating sixth-round knockout at the hands of long-time nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez last December , those dying to be his dancing partner in the square arena suddenly disappeared with no one seems interested in associating their names with the only man in planet earth to win 10 championships in eight weight divisions.

While the 34-year-old lawmaker of Sarangani Province in Mindanao had expressed interest in coming back two months from now in April, everybody looks to be avoiding him as if he’s inflicted with an infectious disease. For two months now people around him have frantically been looking for someone, even a cheap one, who would agree to exchange punches with him,

This, despite pronouncements from his promoter, Bob Arum and chief trainer Freddie Roach that the Pacman must first have a much-needed rest before plunging into action anew, the earliest in September.

Not even a suspension meted out by the Nevada Athletic Commission that, in effect bans him from fighting anywhere in the United States could deter his business handlers from luring him to jump into the ring suggesting that his proposed April fight be held either in Dubai, Singapore, Macau or even Manila instead of Las Vegas.

Obviously, these people think more of the money they stand to lose should Pacquiao delay his planned comeback in September rather than the safety of their boss.

Which could be the reason why announcements of his projected April bout have been coming from them and not from the man himself.

It is now February, a little less than three months before April, and yet a business adviser was quoted by a media outfit that all is not lost yet as far as the April fight is concerned,
They said that they had just formed a “new group” to renew talks with communictions mogul, businessman-sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan and associates, which had earlier turned down the idea, perhaps, seemingly thinking of the welfare of Pacquiao.

Are these brain-drained men of Congressman Pacquiao not aware that unless it’s Marquez or Floyd Mayweather Jr. they will pit against the Pacman such a promotion would be a guaranteed financial flop?

That putting Pacquiao opposite just anybody in the ring would tarnish further the Filipino hero’s reputation? And so is staging the fight elsewhere outside the U.S.?

Is there nobody anymore within Pacquiao’s circle who thinks of his welfare and safety?